ACC U12 Development Squad

In the first match of the season for the Development Team, a narrow defeat was recorded in an away fixture against Claygate CC as the temperature plummeted on a typical summer's evening. Losing the toss and being asked to take the field, the team made a steady start with number of debutants making valuable contributions with both bowling and fielding, including a well controlled spell of bowling by Abu M and 2 valuable wickets from Leo R. Unfortunately there were regular extras conceded from a mixture of slightly wayward bowling and over-exuberance in the field when returning the ball, which enabled Claygate to keep moving the score on, finally posting a respectable target of 305 at the end of their 20 overs.

In reply, the team started well with some useful partnerships and early boundaries despatched to put pressure on the home side, who responded with a well controlled bowling display, noted by minimal extras conceded. As the middle order were restricted in the gathering gloom, a late flourish from the captain Ollie M brought the team back into contention with a fine innings of 30 from 17 balls faced but there was just too much to do in the end.

Despite the loss, it was pleasing to see the boys attempt to play shots and I'm confident that this will improve throughout the season, we know what to work on. Well done to the team and particularly the new boys - I'm seeing a really positive ethos in the team, with support and encouragement being given. It has been a disrupted start to the season, with training sessions lost to the weather, so for them to come this close at this stage of the season is really encouraging.